On the 8th of June 2007 Louis Schmidt-Peke, aged 3 years, died while attending the Kohanga at the Hoani Waitiiti Marae, West Auckland. Louis died after he was struck by a falling gate.
The Waitakere CIB is investigating Louis' death.
Evidence obtained during the investigation suggests that the gate was in a defective state at the time of the incident. The evidence also strongly supports the proposition that significant structural alterations had been made to the gate which departed from the original design.
It is the view of the officer in charge of the case, Detective Sergeant Peter Litherland that those structural alterations contributed in a significant way to Louis' death.
Forensic evidence suggests the alterations occurred after the gates were powder coated and therefore may have been modified either, before, during or after installation. The gates were installed in early April 2006.
In the interests of Louis and Louis' family, the Police are appealing to members of the public who have information regarding the gates and specifically the design alterations which were made to the gates, to come forward.
Police would also like to hear from anyone who has photographs of the gates taken during or soon after installation in April 2006.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Peter Litherland of the Waitakere CIB on ph 09 8390627 or to peter.litherland@police.govt.nz